Balancing Act: How One College Student Turned Her Passion into a Million-Dollar Business
Elena Bonvicini, founder of the viral clothing brand EB Denim, knows a thing or two about juggling multiple responsibilities. While pursuing a degree at the University of Southern California, she was also running a business that was raking in over $1 million in revenue by her junior year.
From High School to High Stakes
Bonvicini’s entrepreneurial journey began in high school, where she founded EB Denim. As her business grew, so did her responsibilities. She was managing a team of employees and interns, all while keeping up with her coursework. It was a daunting task, but Bonvicini was determined to make it work.
The Temptation to Drop Out
With her business thriving, Bonvicini often found herself wondering why she was still in school. She was already doing what she loved and making a good income. Why bother with tuition and classes? Her mom, however, was not convinced. Despite Bonvicini’s protests, she knew that getting a degree was non-negotiable.
Finding a Balance
Bonvicini learned to prioritize her time, often sacrificing sleep and social events to keep up with her business and academic responsibilities. She would spend her weekends scouring flea markets for jeans, building relationships with suppliers, and setting up shop in her sorority house. It was a balancing act, but she made it work.
The Value of Education
Although Bonvicini sometimes felt like dropping out, she’s glad she didn’t. Her classes in public relations and entrepreneurship provided her with valuable skills that she could apply directly to her business. Looking back, she realizes that her education helped her think more professionally and sophisticatedly about her business.
A Million-Dollar Mindset
Today, Bonvicini is 26 and running a successful business. She’s grateful for the experience she gained in college, which taught her the importance of hard work, time management, and perseverance. Her story is a testament to the fact that with determination and passion, anything is possible.
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